Digital controlled golf ball teeing apparatus

ABSTRACT

An automatic golf ball teeing apparatus functional in providing either golf practice or golf game mode of operation through use of digital control to yield multi-position tee elevation, thus enabling the golfer to perform both tee and fairway shots from the same tee. The control system consists basically of a stepping actuator to elevate the tee, a translator to convert input drive pulses to predetermined sequential commands for driving the stepping actuator, a pulse source to provide pulsed signals to the translator, counter modules to monitor the number of pulses fed to the stepping actuator to assure proper tee height positioning, a counter module to monitor the number of balls to be supplied to the ball teeing means per vend, and control means including a punched-tape programmer for inciting tee height positional commands.

United States Patent 1 1 1111 3,738,663

Gentiluomo June 12, 1973 DIGITAL CONTROLLED GOLF BALL TEEING APPARATUS [57] [761' Invenfofi J sepha:Esnfilwmst. 1 ,457 Belmont Avenue, Schenectady,

ABSTRACT An automatic golf ball .teeing apparatus functional in N Y 12308 providing either golf practice or golf game mode of operation through use of digital control to yield multi- [22 Filed: Mar. 29,- 1971 position tee elevation, thus enabling the golfer to per- [211 App. No: 129,001 v form both tee and fairway shots from the same tee. The

control system consists basically of a stepping actuator to elevate the tee, a translator to convert input drive [52] US. Cl. 273/201, 221/9 pulses to predetermined sequential commands for driv- [51] Int. Cl A63b 57/00 ing the stepping actuator, a pulse source to provide [58] Field of Search 273/201, 33, 202 pulsed signals to the translator, counter modules to I 5 monitor the number of pulses fed to the stepping actua- [56] References Cited tor to assure proper tee height positioning, a counter UNITED STATES PATENTS module to monitor the number of balls to be supplied 2 335,280 11/1943 Hogeberg 273 201 teeing means "end, and W? means 21530 398 11/1950 Hogeberg.... 273 201 includmg a P p Programmer for melting tee height positional commands.

Primary Ex aminer-Anton O. Oechsle Assistant Examiner-Theatrice Brown 12 Claims 5 Drawing Figures B H9 CONTROL PANEL l 18 MONETARY ACCEPTOR UNIT *H? BALL DISPENSING UNIT 2 BALL RECEPTACLE loo BALL TEEING MEANS Attmmmmma SIEHIIZ INVENTOR JOSEPH A. GENTILUOMO DIGITAL CONTROLLED GOLF BALL TEEING APPARATUS This invention is particularly adaptable for use in both indoor and outdoor golf ranges.

Accordingly, objects of this invention are as follows:

To provide a ball teeing apparatus featuring operational reliability.

To provide a ball teeing apparatus that can be utilized in both completely automated or non-automated type golf ranges.

To provide a ball teeing apparatus that can be utilized for either golf practice or golf game mode of operation.

To provide a ball teeing apparatus which can accommodate a conventinoal type ball dispensing means.

To provide an automatic ball teeing apparatus that will relieve the golfer of the duty of setting balls manually to various heights common to both tee and fairway type shots.

To provide a ball teeing apparatus featuring a digitally controlled ball elevating means.

To provide a ball teeing apparatus featuring a step ping actuator functional within an open-loop positional control system. To provide a ball teeing apparatus that can be utilized to provide a plurality of tee height positions by varying the counter preset count for monitoring pulses to the stepping actuator.

To provide a ball teeing apparatus in which tee shot and fairway shot tee heights can be alternately selected either manually by pushbutton or automatically through program control to provide for a plurality of game arrangements.

To provide a ball teeing apparatus featuring an openloop ball positioning system which relies on the counting of input drive pulses for tee height position status, thus eliminating the need of any end point sensors for controlling tee travel.

To provide a ball teeing apparatus which can be activated into operation by a monetary acceptor unit or pushbutton control.

These objects and other objects of this invention should be discerned and appreciated from the description and the claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. I is a schematic side elevation view of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic side elevation view of the ball teeing means and the operatively associated stepping actuator.

FIG. 3 is a schematic front elevation view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an elementary electrical diagram of the control elements associated with controller 125 in conjunction with control panel 119.

FIG. 5 is a functional schematic block diagram of the digital control system utilized in the invention.

Terms herein utilized should bear interpretation as follows:

Ball Elevating Means encompasses a drive mechanism functionally asociated with a tee fabricated from commercially available items as close-wound helical springs, spring reinforced flexible plastic hose, flexible plastic or rubber tube, plastic-coated rubber tube, etc.

Drive Mechanisms encompass such power transmitting devices as flexible connectors, rack and gear drives, linkages, mechanical and fluid remote control systems, etc.

Flexible Connectors appear in such forms as belts, cables, and chains functionally associated with pulleys, sheaves, and sprockets respectively.

Ball Teeing Means includes the base means and the ball elevating means.

Ball Dispensing Means is a device that either receives balls for immediate conveyance to the ball receptacle or stores a supply of balls for dispensing of a predetermined number to said ball receptacle when required.

Ball Receptacle is a device which receives and provides balls for immediate use by the ball teeing means, or stores and provides balls for subsequent use when required by said ball teeing means.

Switching Sensors encompass such devices as photo sensors acoustic sensors, limit switches, etc.

Stepping Actuator is a device which accepts pulses for conversion into angular or linear incremental excursions. They encompass such elements as stepping gearmotors, electrohydraulic pulse actuators, or any actuator that converts digital signals into output motion.

Stepping Gearmotor is a stepping motor having an operatively associated gearhead for slowing down the motor stepping rate Controller 121 is a ball sensing control means driven by a signal from the switching sensor and functional in amplifying the said signal, if required, to a magnitude necessary to effectuate control of external functions.

Controller 125 is a device containing control components such as a punched-tape programmer, relays, etc., or their equivalents, operable in providing required apparatus operation.

Translator is a device which converts pulsed signals from the pulse generator into the correct sequence switching needed to drive the stepping actuator.

Vend Initiating Means include any device for initiating apparatus operation. Said devices may be pushbuttons, monetary acceptor units, etc.

Counter Modules 126, 127, 128 are counters of the predetermining type which are set to a predetermined number and operate by counting down to zero from the preset number. At start of count, the normally open contacts of its output relay will close and remain closed until the preset count is reached. At said preset count, the counter is automatically restored to the preset number and the output contacts are restored back to their initial mode to place the counter in condition for subsequent counting. As utilized, said counters monitor ball elevating means position by counting pulses directed fromthe pulse generator to the stepping actuator.

Counter Module 129 is a predetermining type counter having its counter register set to a predetermined number. It operates by counting down to zero from the preset number to actuate a switch for control of some exteranl circuit. The counter is restored back to the preset number when the count cycle is completed, thus rendering said counter ready to commence counting on a repeat cycle basis. As utilized, said counter monitors the number of balls to be provided to the ball teeing means per vend.

Digital Open-loop System is a positioning system which relies only on digital information, such as pulses, for positioning of the stepping actuator. This system has no means for comparing input with output for control purposes.

Pulse Generator is defined as a device which supplies drive information in the form of pulsed signals either to the translator or directly to the stepping actuator. They can range from simple switch closure devices, multivibrators or oscillators to digital computers.

Digital Control System is defined as a combination of elements functional in the control of a source of power in which the outupt of the system is derived through the manipulation of digital signals such as discrete pulses to effectuate digital actuator operation.

In explaining the invention in detail, it can be discerned that the said invention is capable of many equivalent embodiments. The preferred embodiment is represented by a system such as depicted in the drawings and herein described.

In order to utilize the disclosed invention, it is essential that the ball teeing means be fixedly mounted with respect to floor 101 and operatively linked with a ball receptacle 102 and a conventional type ball dispensing means 1 17 which maintains a supply of balls within said ball receptacle for subsequent use by the ball teeing means 100.

The invention consists essentially of a base means, a ball elevating means, a digital control system to effectuate positioning of the said ball elevating means between a plurality of positions, a ball receptacle, and a ball dispensing means. It is to be noted that due to the difference in operation of various stepping actuators available for use in digital control systems, logic circuitry may not be required and therefore said stepping actuators can be driven directly by pulses from a pulse generator without the need of a translator.

The ball teeing means 100 is fixedly mounted to floor 101, and consists essentially of a base means and a ball elevating means. The said base means is defined by cup 104 to which a mounting plate 105 is fixedly secured. Said cup 104 has a ball inlet aperture 106 located within its cylindrical sidewall for mounting of ball receptacle 102 in depending relation therefrom and in registry with said aperture 106; an opening within the bottom for the journalling of both the upper portion of 107, is photoelectric switching sensor 109. Leads of said sensor are disposed downwardly through and emerging from the bottom of said rack 110, thus providing accessibility for connection to controller 121.

The stepping actuator such as a stepping gearmotor 124, is fixedly mounted to the back side of mounting plate 105 with its rotatable shaft 115 protruding through and journaled within bearing 112 which is fixedly mounted within said mounting plate. Fixedly mounted on said shaft 115 is drive gear 111, which in turn is drivably engaged with said reciprocably mounted rack 110. Shaft 116 of flanged guide roller 113, is fixedly secured to mounting plate 105 such that said roller 113 is rollably engaged with the non-toothed side of said rack 110. The center distance between shaft 115 and shaft 116 must be such that rack 110 can be reciprocated freely without binding between said gear 111 and said flanged guide roller 113.

The ball dispensing means 117 is of the conventional type and is positioned on floor 101 as shown in FIG. 1. Said ball dispensing means is functional as a ball storage and supply means for said ball teeing means.

Intermediate said ball dispensing means 117 and said ball teeing means is the ball receptacle 102 functional in conveying balls from said ball dispensing means to said ball teeing means on demand. Said receptacle 102 is mounted to the lower portion of said ball dispensing means 117 and is inclined downwardly toward said ball teeing means 100 wherein it mounts within opening 106 of said cup 104.

Fixedly mounted with respect to the ball dispensing means 117 is the vend initiating means such as monetary acceptor unit 118. Said monetary acceptor unit is commercially available and can be obtained to handle either coins or paper money. Also, fixedly mounted with respect to said ball dispensing means 117 is control panel 119. Said control panel has mounted thereupon a plurality of pushbutton control switches.

Floor 101, at the tee line area, is surfaced with artificial grass carpet 120 similar in appearance to grass found on golf course fairways or driving tees. Said grass carpet 120 has an opening in alignment with cup opening 108 to allow ball 103 to emerge when tee 107 is elevated to a ball hitting position.

With reference to the block diagram of FIG. 5, stepping actuator 124, translator 123, pulse generator 122, counter modules 126, 127, 128 and 129, punched tape programmer 130 disposed within controller 125, and controller 121 with sensor 109, are commercially available components. lnterconnection of the punched-tape programmer within controller 125 is shown in FIG. 4. Said controller 125 consists basically of a plurality of control relays in conjunction with said punched-tape programmer.

Controller 121 is basically a photoelectric counting unit which provides an output pulse every time a ball enters or leaves the switchig sensors detection field. Also, said pulses are provided regardless of whether the ball remains within or without the sensors detection field for prolonged periods of time. Said device converts a sustained signal to a monentary pulse. Controllers providing this feature are known as pulse-stretcher type in which the pulse can be either lengthened or shortened. When this feature is not available and the controller's output contacts such as A1, A2, A3, A4, A5 and A6 furnish only a maintained on or off signal, pulses of sufficient duration for system operation can be provided by merely adding an auxilary relay B interconnected as shown in FIG. 5.

Controller 121, as depticted in FIG. 5, is functional in converting a sustained relay closure of contacts A1 and A2 to a momentary pulse through contacts B1, B2 and B3. When the ball enters the sensor's detection field, controller 121 will operate to close normally open contacts Al, A3 and A5, and open normally closed contacts A2, A4 and A6. In so doing, power will flow through the normally closed contacts B1 and relay coil B. Upon energizing of said coil B, said contacts Bl will open to thus provide a pulse signal therethrough, and normally open contacts B2 and B3 will close. The pulse length provided by said contacts B1 depends on the pick-up time of relay B. Said pulse will appear at output terminal 10 for use as a start pulse to activate counter module 126 and 127.

When the ball leaves the sensors detection field, controller 121 will operate to restore contacts A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, and A6 to their original condition with contacts A1, A3 and A5 open, and A2, A4 and A6 closed. Now, since relay B is of the slow operate and slow release type, power will flow through contacts B2 and B3 from closed contacts A2 until relay coil B deenergizes. Upon de-energizing of said coil B, contacts B2 and B3 will open and power will be terminated therethrough, thus producing a pulse at output terminals l0 and 11. The length of the pulse signal provided through contacts B2 and B3 depends upon the release time of relay coil B less the negligible transfer time required for'contacts A1 and A2 to switch-over from one condition to the other. Said pulse at output terminal 10 will be used as a start pulse to activate counter modules 126 and 127, and said pulse at terminal 11 will be used as a count pulse to counter module 129 and as a tape index pulse for indexing the punched-tape programmer.

Depending on the type of ball dispensing means utilized, signals from terminasl 6 and 7 can be used to operate an escapement mechanism to release balls for conveyance to the ball teeing means, to agitate the balls within the ball dispensing means so as to prevent jamming during the dispensing of balls from said ball dispensing means to the ball receptacle, etc. I The function of controller l25 is to channel the control signals from controller 121 and pluse generator 122 to eithercounter modules 126, 127, and 128, thereby, providing ball elevating means positioning such that the ball is placed in position for the execution of either tee shots or fairway shots by the golfer. lf desired, punched-tape control of the preset count registered on counter modules 126, 127 and 128 can be incorporated to provide a selection of tee height positions suitable to the golfers likings. Also, provisions can be readily incorporated so that the said punched-tape programmer can be indexed to any of a plurality of discrete game programs through pushbutton selection.

Tee shot" and fairway shot selection can be accomplished either manually by pushbutton control or automatically through numerical control. Since the control system is digital, it is readily adaptable to programming by such means as punched-tape, punched card, magnetic tape, etc.

For practicing of golf shots, the golfer depresses the golf practice pushbutton in conjunction with either the tee shot or fairway shot selection pushbuttons, depending on which type of shot said golfer wishes to practice. When the tee shot" selection pushbutton is depressed, the ball teeing means will, when operative, elevate the ball to a position such that said ball can be hit by the driver or number one club. When fairway shot" selection is chosen, the ball teeing means will, when operative, elevate the ball to a position such taht said ball can be hit by standard iron clubs under conditions similar to those encountered when hitting fairway shots on a golf course.

As previously stated, the golfer has a choice of utilizing the disclosed apparatus for either the practice of golf shots or for playing a golf game.

I. Golf Practice Selection When golf practice is desired, the golfer must first depress the golf practice" pushbutton PB-l on control panel 119 to energize latch relay coil D. In so doing, contacts D1, D2 and D4 will close, and contacts D3,

D5, D6, D7 and D8 will open. Next, either the tee shot or fairway shot pushbutton is depressed, dependent on which type of shot the golfer wishes to practice.

If the tee shot pushbutton PB-3 is depressed, latch relay coils C, L, and M are energized. Energizing of coil C, locks in said latch relay so that contacts C1 and C2 will close, and contacts C3 and C4 will open. Energizing of latch relay coil L causes contacts L1 to close, and contacts L2 to open. Energizing of latch relay coil M causes contacts M1 to open, and contacts M2 to close.

If the fairway shot pushbotton PB-4 is depressed, latch relay coils C, L and M are energized. Energizing of coil C locks in said latch relay so that contacts Cl and C2 will open, and contacts C3 and C4 will close. Energizing of latch relay coil L will cause contacts L1 to open and contacts L2 to close. Energizing of latch relay coil M causes contacts M1 to close and contacts M2 to open.

Latch relay C-C provides control for directing signals ot either counter module 126 or 127 to effectuate operation of the ball elevating means from the ball receiving position to either the tee shot or fairway shot position, depending on the preset selection. Said contacts C1 will transmit start pulses, and contacts C2 will transmit count pulses to counter module 126. Contacts C3 will transmit count pulses, and contacts C4 will transmit start pulses to counter module 127.

When selection is completed, the golfer deposits money within the monetary acceptor unit 118 equivalent to the vend price preset therein. This initiates the vend by activating the control means to cause actuation of the said monetary acceptor units load contacts such that contacts K1, K3 and K4 will close, and contacts K2 will open. Closed contacts K1 will provide power to controller 121 to operate the ball dispensing means 117 and activate the photoelectric counting unit. Operation of said dispensing means will maintain a plurality of balls in ball receptacle 102 for subsequent use by the ball teeing means 100. Activation of the said photoelectric counting unit will put it in condition for providing a ball-on-tee pulse. Therefore, immediately at start of vend, the ball which has become seated upon tee 107 will cause sensor 109 to activate the photoelectrically operated relay to close contacts Al, A3 and A5, open contacts A2, A4 and A6, and provide a ballon-tee pulse at terminal 10 of said controller 121. Said pulse at said terminal 10 will be conveyed to terminals 16 and 18 of controller 125. Now, it is to be noted that switch-over between golf practice and golf game selection can no longer be accomplished after vend initiation since power to terminal 9 of controller is terminated when contacts K2 open. Latch relay coils L and M act as selection monitors to provide for changeover control for alternate switching of the ball elevating means from one ball hitting position to another during the golf practice selection mode. Contacts L2 and M2 operate to limit the tee shot and fairway shot pushbuttons to effectuate alternate energization of relay coils X and Y, thus preventing either of said coils from being repeatedly energized to continuously move the tee in one direction to step the ball elevating means out of adjustment for proper tee positioning. Relay coils X and Y serve to effectuate selection switch-over between the tee shot and fairway shot mode only during vend. Before vend, contacts K3 and K4 are open,

thereby, rendering said coils X and Y inoperative when pushbuttons PB-3 and PB-4 are depressed. With said coils X and Y inoperative before vend, contacts X1 and Y1 will be open, thereby, preventing a start pulse to be transmitted to counter module 128 which is used only for the tee height switch-over function.

A. Tee Shot Selection Mode of Operation When the tee shot mode of operation is operative, the said start pulse directed to terminals 16 and 18 will go through contacts C1 and on to terminal 20. From terminal 20, said pulse will enter counter module 126 through terminal 26. In so doing, said start pulse will cause output contacts G1 of said counter to close, and also put it in condition for counting. Now, power will enter terminal 28 and exit from terminal 29 by way of said contacts G1. Said output contacts G1 will therefore direct power to terminal 34 of pulse generator 122. Operation of said pulse generator will in turn emit pulsed signals to terminal 12 through contacts G2 which were actuated closed when counter 126 was put in condition for counting. Said pulses will then be directed simultaneously through contacts A3 and G3 which are presently in the closed condition. Pulses through A3 will exit from terminal 45 to provide input drive pulses to the translator 123 which converts said pulsed signals into the proper switching sequence needed to drive the stepping gearmotor 124 in a direction such that tee 107 is driven upwardly. The pulses directed through G3 to terminal 17 of controller 125 will travel through contacts G2 to terminal 21 and therefrom enter terminal 27 of counter 126 to provide count pulses thereto. Said counter is preset to a predetermined number representative numerically of the distance tee 107 is to be elevated. Said tee 107 will he stepped upwardly until said counter 126 reaches the preset count. At said preset count, said counter 126 automatically resets to zero and unlocks the output contacts G1, G2, and G3 so that power is terminated to pulse generator 122 causing said tee 107 to stop at the uppermost ball hitting position.

When the ball is dislodged from said tee 107, the photoelectric sensor 109 will effectuate the opening of contacts A1, A3 and A5, and the closing of contacts A2, A4 and A6 of controller 121. ln so doing, said controller will prvide a ball-off-tee pulse at terminals 10 and 11. The pulse from terminal 10 will enter controller 125 at terminal 16 and 18 and travel through closed contacts C1 to terminal 20. Interconnection between terminals 20 and 26 will cause said pulse to be directed to counter module 126. Said start pulse will again cause said output contacts G1, G2 and G3 to close, and again put the counter in condition for counting. Again, power will enter terminal 28 and exit from terminal 29 by way of contacts G1. Said output contacts G1 will again direct power to terminal 34 of pulse generator 122. Again, the pulse generator will operate to emit pulsed signals through closed contacts G2. Said pulses will travel to terminal 12 and be directed simultaneously through presently closed contacts A4 and G3. Pulses through A4 will exit from terminal 46 to provide drive pulses to translator 123 which functions to convert said pulsed signals into proper switching sequence needed to drive stepping gearmotor 124 in a direction such that tee 107 is driven downwardly. The pulses directed through closed contacts G3 to controller 125 will again travel through closed contacts G2 and enter terminal 27 of counter 126 to provide count pulses thereto.

Since the preset count on counter 126 is representative numerically of the distance tee 107 moves from the ball receiving position to the uppermost tee shot hitting position, said preset count is also representative of the distance said tee 107 is to be lowered from said uppermost position to said lowermost ball receiving position. Therefore, said tee 107 will be stepped downwardly until said counter 126 again reaches the preset count. At said count, said counter 126 automatically resets to zero and unlocks the output contacts G1, G2 and G3, thus terminating power to pulse generator 122 so that tee 107 will be held in the lowermost ball receiving position. Now, a ball will gravitate upon tee 107 to cause the tee elevating sequence to repeat and again elevate the ball to the uppermost ball hitting position by the mode of operation already described. When said ball is dislodged, the ball lowering sequence will again repeat and the initiated ball-off-tee pulse provided by controller 121 will be directed from terminal 11 to terminal 24 of the ball feed counter 129 for advancing the said counter to monitor the number of balls driven from said tee 107. Disclosed cycle of operations are repeated until the preset number set on the counter 129 is reached. Since said preset count is representative of the number of balls to be provided per vend, said counter 129 will emit a vend termination signal from terminal 25 to terminal 3 of the monetary acceptor unit 118 at the end of said preset count. Said termination signal will activate said monetary acceptor unit to open contacts K1 to terminate power to terminals 5 and 14 of controller 121. Meanwhile, the tee will lower until counter 126 de-activates pulse generator 122 to stop said tee in the lowermost ball receiving position. With no power to terminal 14, no ball-on-tee pulse can be initiated when said tee 107 decends to said ball receiving position after the last ball to be vended is dislodged from said tee. This means that when said tee reaches said ball receiving position, the ball gravitating thereupon cannot cause activation of controller 121 to emit a ball-on-tee pulse for elevating of said tee. However, upon initiation of a new vend, power will be transmitted to terminal 14 to cause said ball to immediately activate controller 121 to provide a ball-on-tee start pulse for elevating said first ball for golfer usage.

B. Fairway Shot Selection Mode of Operation When the fairway shot" mode of operation is operative, the sequence of operation will be similar to the operational sequence described for Tee Shot Selection Mode of Operation" with an exception that tee position control will now be effected by counter module 127 instead of 126. The reason for this is that counter 127 is preset to be numerically representative of the number of pulses required to both elevate and lower the ball elevating means between the lowermost ball receiving position and the intermediate ball hitting position for fairway shots.

The disclosure under Tee Shot Selection Mode of Operation" can be directly applied to describe the Fairway Shot Selection Mode of Operation by merely reading therein the following substitutions in all occurrences: substitutions in all occurrences:

l. Fairway shot for tee shot 8. 22 for 21 2. Intermediate for uppwrmost 9. 23 for 20 3. C4 for C1 10.30 for 27 4. C3 for C2 ll.3l for 26 5. H1 for G1 12.32 for 28 6. H2 for G2 13. 33 for 29 7. H3 for G3 14. 127 for 126 C. Tee Height Switching Mode of Operation If the golfer desires to change from the tee shot selection to the fairway shot selection after the monetary acceptor unit has been activated, the fairway shot pushbutton P84 is momentarily depressed. The momentary pulse provided by said pushbutton will actuate relay'Y to momentarily close contacts Y1 to provide a start pulse at terminal 37 of controller 125. Also, a pulse will be directed to latch relay coils C, L and M of said controller 125. The pulse to coil C will cause contacts C1 and C2 to open, and contacts C3 and C4 to close. The pulse to relay coil L will open contacts L1 and close contacts L2. The pulse to relay coil M will cause contacts M1 to close and M2 to open. Said start pulse from terminal 37 will enter terminal 38 of counter 128 to cause output contacts Z1, Z2 and Z3 to close, and also put the said counter in condition for counting. Now, the power will enter terminal 41 and exit from terminal 42 by way of contacts Z1. Said closed output contacts Z1 willdirect power to terminal 34 of pulse generator 122. Next, said pulse generator will operate to emit pulsed signals through closed contacts Z2 and Z3. The said pulses will travel to terminal 40 and be directed simultaneously to said counter 128 and through closed contacts M1 by way of terminal 39. Pulses through said contacts M1 will travel from terminals 43 to 46 to provide drive pulses to translator 123 which functions to convert said pulsed signals into the proper switching sequenc needed to drive the stepping gearmotor 124 in a direction such that tee 107 is driven downwardly. The pulses directed to counter 128 will provide count pulses for monitoring the pulse generator 122. The preset count on said counter 128 will be equivalent to the difference in coumts between the numerical representation for tee shot" and fairway shot ball elevator travel. Since said preset count represents the distance tee 107 is to be lowered from the uppermost tee shot position to the intermediate fairway shot position, said tee 107 will be stepped downwardly until said counter 128 reaches said preset count. ,At said count, counter 128 will automatically reset to zero and unlock output contacts Z1, Z2 and Z3 to de-activate pulse generator 122. Said switch-over reverts the controls back to the Fairway Shot Selection Mode of Operation so that subsequent balls provided to tee 107 will elevate it to the intermediate fairway shot position, and balls dislodged therefrom will effectuate its lowering to the ball receiving position.

Now, if the golfer is hitting balls from the intermediate or fairway shot position and desires to change to tee shot selection mode of operation, the tee shot pushbutton PB-3 is momentarily depressed. The momentary pulse provided by the said pushbutton will actuate relay X to momentarily close contacts X1 to provide a start pulse to terminal 37 of controller 125. Also, a pulse will be directed to latch relay coils C, L and M of controller 125. The pulse to coil C will cause contacts Cl and C2 to close, and C3 and C4 to open. The pulse to relay coil L will close contacts L1 and open contacts L2. The pulse to relay coil M will cause contacts M1 to open and M2 to close. Said start pulse from terminal 37 will enter terminal 38 of counter 128 to cause output contacts Z1, Z2 and Z3 to close, and also put the said counter in condition for counting. Now, the power will enter terminal 41 and exit from terminal 42 by way of contacts Z2. Said closed output contacts Z1 will direct power to terminal 34 of pulse generator 122. Next, said pulses generator will operate to emit pulsed signals through closed contacts Z2 and Z3. The said pulses will travel to terminal 40 and be directed simultaneously to said counter 128 and through closed contacts L1 by way of terminal 39. Pulses through said contacts L1 will travel from terminal 44 to 45 to provide drive pulses to translator 123 which functions to convert said pulsed signals into the proper switching sequence needed to drive the stepping gearmtor 124 in a direction such that tee 107 is driven upwardly. The pulses directed to counter 128 will provide count pulses for monitoring the pulse generator 122. The preset count on said counter 128 will be equivalent to the difference in count between the numerical step pulse representation for tee shot and fairway shot ball elevator travel. Since said preset count represents the distance tee 107 is to be elevated from the intermediate fairway shot" position to the uppermost tee shot position, said tee 107 will be stepped upwardly until counter 128 reaches said preset count. At said count, counter 128 will automatically reset to zero and unlock output contacts Z1, Z2 and Z3 to de-activate pulse generator 122. Said switch-over reverts the controls back to the Tee Shot Selection Mode of Operation so that subsequent balls provided to tee 107 will elevate it to the uppermost tee shot position and balls dislodged therefrom will effectuate its lowering to the ball receiving position.

II. Golf Game Selection When the ball teeing apparatus is utilized for playing of golf games, the golf game pushbutton PB-2 is depressed and tee shot or fairway shot tee positioning is provided automatically, after the vend is initiated, according to a predetermined sequence dictated by numerical control means such as punched-tape programmer 130. The tape is punched with control infocmation such that holes in one channel represents the tee shot control function and holes in a second channel represents the fairway shot control function. At the start of the game program, the tape is stationary and the tape reader senses the hole in the first line and effectuates energization of either the tee host latch relay coil C or fairway shot latch relay coil C, depending on which channel the hole appears. If the tee shot relay coil C is energized, the load contacts Cl and C2 will direct pulses from the pulse generator 122 and controller 121, co counter module 126. If the fairway shot relay coil C' is energized, the load contacts C3 and C4 will direct pulses from said pulse generator 122 and said controller 121, to counter module 127.

Each time a ball is dislodged from the tee, a pulse is conveyed from controller 121 to terminal 24 of the ball feed counter 129, and to terminal 15 of the stepping drive of the tape programmer to advance the tap through the reader one line. After the tape is advanced, the tape reader senses the hole in the second line and effectuates energization of either the tee shot relay coil C or the fairway shot relay coil C depending on which channel the hole appears. Again, pulses will be directed to either counter module 126 or counter module 127 to control tee height positioning. Said cycle of operations will repeat until a predetermined number of balls are dislodged from the tee. When this occurs, the ball feed counter 129 will provide a reset signal to terminal 19 of controller to position the tape within the reader back to its initial starting point in the program ready for re-cycling when another vend is initiated.

Depressing of said golf game pushbutton PB-2 causes latch relay coil D to a momentarily energized to effectuate the opening of contacts D1, D2 and D4, and the closing of contacts D3, D5, D6, D7 and D8. Said contact switching will operate to de-activate the golf practice circuit, and activate the golf game circuit which contains said punched-tape progammer 130 to control tee height position automatically.

Placement of the proper amount of money in the monetary acceptor unit 118 will initiate the vend causing contacts K1, K3 and K4 to close, and contacts K2 to open. Closing of contacts K1 will provide power to terminal 36 of controller 125 to activate punched-tape programmer 130 by way of contacts D8, to terminal 14 of controller 121 for control of the photoelectric counting unit, and to terminal 5 to activate ball dispensing means 117.

At start of said vend, the ball seated upon tee 107 will cause sensor 109 to activate the photoelectrically operated relay within controller 121 to close contacts A1 to provide a ball-on-tee pulse at terminal 10. This pulse will now be conveyed to terminals 16 and 18 of controller 125. Since tee height position is now controlled automatically by said punched-tape programmer, latch relay coil C will be energized when tee shot operation is required, and latch relay coil C will be energized when fairway shot operation is required. When the puched tape provides a tee shot signal, relay coil C will be energized to close contacts Cl and C2, and open contacts C3 and C4. When said punched tape provides a fairway shot signal, relay coil C will be energized to close contacts C3 and C4, and open contacts C1 and C2.

When the program calls for tee shot" operation, the ball-on-tee pulse from terminal will be transmitted through contacts C1 to activate counter module 126, and the mode of operation to elevate the tee to the uppermost ball hitting position will be as described under Tee Shot Selection Mode of Operation. When the ball is dislodged from said tee 107, a ball-off-tee pulse will be provided to terminals 10 and 1 1. The pulse from terminal 11 will be transmitted to terminal 24 of ball feed counter 129 to enter a count therein, and to terminal 15 of controller 125 to step the punched tape on line to a position which dictates numerically the distance said tee must be stepped downward to reach the ball receiving position. The pulse from terminal 10 will be transmitted through contacts C1 to counter 126 in order to initiate the return of said tee to the ball receiving position. The mode of operation to lower said tee to said ball receiving position will also be as described under Tee Shot Selection Mode of Operation.

When the program calls for fairway shot" operation, the ball-on-tee pulse from terminal 10 will be transmitted through contacts C4 to activate counter module 127, and the mode of operation to elevate the tee to the intermediate ball hitting position will be as described under Fairway Shot Selection Mode of Operationz" When the ball is dislodged from said tee 107, a ball-off-tee pulse will be provided to terminals 10 and 11. The pulse from terminal 11 will be transmitted to terminal 24 of ball feed counter 129 to enter a count therein, and terminal 15 of controller 125 to step the punched tape one line to a position which dictates numerically the distance said tee must be stepped downward to reach the ball receiving position. The pulse from terminal 10 will be transmitted through contacts C4 to counter 127 to initiate the return of said tee to the ball receiving position. The mode of operation to lower said tee to said ball receiving position will also be as described under Fairway Shot Selection Mode of Operation:

The mode of operation cited above will be repeated every time a ball is dislodged from tee 107, and the vend terminated when the count of balls dislodged from said tee per vend reaches the preset count entered on the ball feed counter 129. Upon termination of said vend, said contacts K1 will open, thereby, terminating power to terminal 36 to de-activate the punched-tape programmer 130, out off power to terminal 14 of controller 121 rendering it inoperative in providing a ballon-tee pulse for tee elevating, and terminate power to terminal 5 of controller 121 to de-activate the ball dispensing means. This means that no more balls will be provided for golfer usage and a new vend must be initiated according to the procedure disclosed for initiating the golf game" mode of operation if the golfer desires to continue play.

Having thusly described the invention, 1 claim:

1. An automatic ball teeing apparatus, comprising in combination, a ball teeing means having a reciprocating tee, and a digital control system operatively associated with said ball teeing means to effectuate control thereof, said digital control system includes a stepping actuator which relies on a predetermined number of pulses delivered thereto for establishing the tee height position to be assumed by said tee.

2. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the digital control system is further characterized as including a ball sensing means for detecting balls provided to or dislodged from said tee, a pulse generating source to provide pulsed signals to the said stepping actuator, counter modules to monitor the number of pulses fed to said stepping actuator, a counter module to monitor the number of balls to be supplied to the said ball teeing means per vend, controlling means for dictating the said tee height position to be assumed, and a vend initiating means for placing the said digital control system in condition for operation. I

3. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the digital control system is further characterized by including a ball sensing means for detecting balls provided to or dislodged from said tee, a translator to convert input drive pulses to predetermined sequential commands for driving the said stepping actuator, a pulse generating source to provide pulsed signals to the said translator, counter modules to monitor the number of pulses fed to said stepping actuator, a counter module to monitor the number of balls to be supplied to the said ball teeing means per vend, controlling means for dictating the said tee height position to be assumed, and a vend initiating means for placing the said digital control system in condition for operation.

4. The apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein the digital control system is further characterized as including a punched-tape control means for dictating the said tee height position to be assumed.

5. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, further characterized by a ball receptacle and ball dispensing means, said ball receptacle being disposed intermediate said ball dispensing means and said ball teeing means.

6. The apparatus as defined in claim 5, wherein said ball teeing means is further characterized as including a base means and a ball elevating means operatively mounted with respect to said base means.

7. The apparatus as defined in claim 6, wherein the said ball elevating means is further characterized as including a rack and gear drive mechanism having a tee mounted upon the upper end of said rack.

8. The apparatus as defined in claim 7, wherein the said digital control system is further characterized as including a translator to convert input drive pulses to predetermined sequential commands for driving the said stepping actuator, a pulse generating source to provide pulsed signals to said translator, counter modules to monitor the number of pulses fed to said stepping actuator to assure proper tee height positioning, a counter module to monitor the number of balls to be supplied to said ball teeing means per vend, pushbuttons for dictating the tee height position to be assumed, a ball sensing means for detecting balls provided to or dislodged from said tee, and a vend initiating means for placing the said control system in condition for operation.

9. The apparatus as defined in claim 8, further characterized as including a punched-tape control means as an alternate means for dictating the said tee height position to be assumed.

lent to the vend price preset therein. 

1. An automatic ball teeing apparatus, comprising in combination, a ball teeing means having a reciprocating tee, and a digital control system operatively associated with said ball teeing means to effectuate control thereof, said digital control system includes a stepping actuator which relies on a predetermined number of pulses delivered thereto for establishing the tee height position to be assumed by said tee.
 2. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the digital control system is further characterized as including a ball sensing means for detecting balls provided to or dislodged from said tee, a pulse generating source to provide pulsed signals to the said stepping actuator, counter modules to monitor the number of pulses fed to said stepping actuator, a counter module to monitor the number of balls to be supplied to the said ball teeing means per vend, controlling means for dictating the said tee height position to be assumed, and a vend initiating means for placing the said digital control system in condition for operation.
 3. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the digital control system is further characterized by including a ball sensing means for detecting balls provided to or dislodged from said tee, a translator to convert input drive pulses to predetermined sequential commands for driving the said stepping actuator, a pulse generating source to provide pulsed signals to the said translator, counter modules to monitor the number of pulses fed to said stepping actuator, a counter module to monitor the number of balls to be supplied to the said ball teeing means per vend, controlling means for dictating the said tee height position to be assumed, and a vend initiating means for placing the said digital control system in condition for operation.
 4. The apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein the digital control system is further characterized as including a punched-tape control means for dictating the said tee height position to be assumed.
 5. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, further characterized by a ball receptacle and ball dispensing means, said ball receptacle being disposed intermediate said ball dispensing means and said ball teeing means.
 6. The apparatus as defined in claim 5, wherein said ball teeing means is further characterized as including a base means and a ball elevating means operatively mounted with respect to said base means.
 7. The apparatus as defIned in claim 6, wherein the said ball elevating means is further characterized as including a rack and gear drive mechanism having a tee mounted upon the upper end of said rack.
 8. The apparatus as defined in claim 7, wherein the said digital control system is further characterized as including a translator to convert input drive pulses to predetermined sequential commands for driving the said stepping actuator, a pulse generating source to provide pulsed signals to said translator, counter modules to monitor the number of pulses fed to said stepping actuator to assure proper tee height positioning, a counter module to monitor the number of balls to be supplied to said ball teeing means per vend, pushbuttons for dictating the tee height position to be assumed, a ball sensing means for detecting balls provided to or dislodged from said tee, and a vend initiating means for placing the said control system in condition for operation.
 9. The apparatus as defined in claim 8, further characterized as including a punched-tape control means as an alternate means for dictating the said tee height position to be assumed.
 10. The apparatus as defined in claim 9, wherein the said stepping actuator is further characterized as a stepping gearmotor.
 11. The apparatus as defined in claim 10, wherein the ball sensing means includes a photoelectric sensor.
 12. The apparatus as defined in claim 11, wherein the said vend initiating means is further characterized as a monetary acceptor unit functional in initiating operation of said apparatus upon receipt of money equivalent to the vend price preset therein. 